Japan Unknown
Unknown: Kyoyaki Tea Bowl

stoneware
3 x 4.75 x 4.75 in.
2015.104
Gift of Stephen and Sophie Mathonnet-VanderWell

This twentieth century painted chawan was thrown on a wheel in reddish clay which was covered with a white slip. The painted cherry blossoms reflect traditional Japanese painting style, which often rendered natural subjects in a simple and intentionally unrefined manner. In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms symbolize perseverance and hope, and have come to represent the Japanese people. The shape of this chawan is similar to bowls made by Korean artists at the Hagi kilns in Japan, but the painted blossoms follow the tradition of Japanese ceramic painter, Ogata Kenzan.

Text Panel from the exhibition Chanoyu: Ceramic Art in Japanese Tea Ceremony
March 16 – April 7, 2019
Groot Gallery
Co-curated by students and faculty from Carleton College and St. Olaf College